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Below the Kolmogorov scale: the non-turbulent sex life of phytoplankton
Abstract
Below the Kolmogorov length scale there is no turbulence and phytoplankton gametes swim in order to encounter each other and achieve syngamy. An
encounter rate model, Z = ð p2 R2 u N, is derived incorporating cell size (R), swimming speed (u) and cell concentration (N). Assuming Z = 1 day–1, calculations using this model show that inside a ‘Kolmogoroveddy’
abundances range from 107 cells m–3 to 1011 cells m–3 for large (38ìm) to small (2ìm) gametes respectively, which is of the order of the numbers observed in algal blooms and in thin layers. Furthermore, cell density-dependent gamete formation, a hypothetical case of quorum sensing, could be expected at 2–4 X 108 cells m–3. The calculations presented here not only
show that phytoplankton need ‘bloom’ concentrations for a swiftly functioning sexual cycle, but they may also be helpful in designing experiments to test lifecycle hypotheses.
encounter rate model, Z = ð p2 R2 u N, is derived incorporating cell size (R), swimming speed (u) and cell concentration (N). Assuming Z = 1 day–1, calculations using this model show that inside a ‘Kolmogoroveddy’
abundances range from 107 cells m–3 to 1011 cells m–3 for large (38ìm) to small (2ìm) gametes respectively, which is of the order of the numbers observed in algal blooms and in thin layers. Furthermore, cell density-dependent gamete formation, a hypothetical case of quorum sensing, could be expected at 2–4 X 108 cells m–3. The calculations presented here not only
show that phytoplankton need ‘bloom’ concentrations for a swiftly functioning sexual cycle, but they may also be helpful in designing experiments to test lifecycle hypotheses.
